Category / Metric	Florence	San Diego
Financial Overview
Median Income	$56,433	$105,780
Unemployment Rate	4.6%	4.9%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$259,000	$930,000
Price per SqFt	$156	$662
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$792	$2,248
Housing Cost Index	57.2	185.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	95.6	103.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	530.7	378.0
Bachelor's Degree+	29.9%	52%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	25

San Diego vs. Florence: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have San Diego—the sun-soaked, laid-back metropolis of Southern California with its iconic coastline and world-class zoo. On the other, Florence—a historic, riverside town in the heart of South Carolina, where the pace slows down and your dollar stretches much further.

This isn't just about geography; it's about lifestyle, budget, and what you want out of your next chapter. As your Relocation Expert, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and analyzed the data to give you the unvarnished truth. Let’s break down this showdown.

The Vibe Check: Sunshine vs. Southern Charm

San Diego is the definition of a coastal metropolis. The vibe is "active but relaxed." It’s a city of neighborhoods, from the surf culture of Pacific Beach to the upscale bustle of La Jolla. Life revolves around the outdoors—hiking Torrey Pines, catching a Padres game, or simply enjoying a perfect 72°F day. It’s diverse, professionally driven, and has a cultural scene that punches above its weight (Balboa Park, anyone?). This is for the person who wants big-city amenities without the aggressive intensity of Los Angeles or New York.

Florence is a classic Southern small town. It’s the "Pee Dee" region’s hub—historic, friendly, and deeply rooted in community. The pace is noticeably slower. You’ll find a charming downtown, local festivals, and a strong sense of place. It’s the kind of town where you know your neighbors and the barista knows your order. This is for the person seeking affordability, simplicity, and a break from the hustle. It’s also a prime destination for retirees and those working remotely who want a low-cost base.

Verdict: If you crave energy, diversity, and endless activities, San Diego wins. If you value community, simplicity, and a slower pace, Florence is your pick.

The Dollar Power: Who Wins on Purchasing Power?

Let’s talk real money. Sticker shock is a real thing, especially in California. We’re going to assume a median income for each city to see how your purchasing power compares.

Category	San Diego	Florence	Winner
Median Income	$105,780	$56,433	San Diego
Median Home Price	$930,000	$259,000	Florence
Rent (1BR)	$2,248	$792	Florence
Housing Index	185.8	57.2	Florence
Violent Crime/100k	378.0	530.7	San Diego

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

On paper, you earn almost double in San Diego. But does it feel like it? Absolutely not. The cost of living, especially housing, is the great equalizer.

San Diego: With a median income of $105,780, you’re earning well, but a median home costs $930,000. That’s a price-to-income ratio of nearly 9:1, which is historically considered "severely unaffordable." Your rent of $2,248 will consume a massive chunk of your take-home pay after California’s state income tax (which can be over 9% for this bracket). You have high earning potential, but it’s a high-cost, high-stakes game.
Florence: With a median income of $56,433, you earn less, but a median home is $259,000. That’s a price-to-income ratio of about 4.6:1, which is much more manageable. Rent is a steal at $792. South Carolina has a lower state income tax (top rate ~7%), and no tax on Social Security benefits, which is a huge plus for retirees. Your $100,000 salary in Florence would feel like $200,000 in San Diego in terms of housing cost alone.

Insight: In San Diego, you’re paying a premium for the location and climate. In Florence, you’re getting incredible bang for your buck, but with lower overall earning potential in the local job market.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

San Diego is a brutal Seller's Market. Inventory is chronically low. Bidding wars are common, and all-cash offers often win. Owning a home here is a luxury and a long-term investment, but the barrier to entry is sky-high. Renting is the only option for most newcomers, but even that is expensive and competitive.

Florence is a much more balanced market. It’s a Buyer's Market in many respects. Your dollar goes further, and you’re not competing with international investors. Finding a home is less stressful, and you can often get more space for your money. Renting is easy and affordable, making it a great testing ground before buying.

Verdict: For the average person, Florence is the clear winner in housing affordability and accessibility. San Diego’s market is for those with significant capital or high dual incomes.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

San Diego: Traffic is real. While not as infamous as LA, the I-5 and I-805 corridors can be a nightmare during rush hour. Commutes can easily stretch to 45-60 minutes. Public transit (trolley/bus) is decent for a car-centric city but not comprehensive.
Florence: Traffic is minimal. You can get across town in 15 minutes. The commute is low-stress. This is a huge lifestyle advantage of small-town living.

Weather

San Diego: Often called "America's Finest City" for a reason. It boasts the most moderate climate in the U.S.—57°F average is misleading; it’s more like sunny and 72°F year-round with low humidity. You’ll own a light jacket and sunscreen. The weather is a primary reason people pay the premium.
Florence: True Southern climate. Summers are hot and humid (often in the 90s), and winters are mild but can dip into the 30s. You’ll deal with pollen seasons and the occasional hurricane threat. It’s lovely, but it’s not the perfect, low-humidity paradise of San Diego.

Crime & Safety

Here’s a surprising twist. San Diego has a lower violent crime rate (378.0/100k) than Florence (530.7/100k). While both cities have safe neighborhoods, this data point is significant. San Diego’s larger police force and urban density may contribute to this. However, property crime can be an issue in both. Always research specific neighborhoods.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?

Winner for Families: Florence

The math is simple. A family needs space, stability, and affordability. Florence offers larger homes for less money, safer streets (in terms of violent crime), and a strong community feel with good public schools. The financial pressure in San Diego would be immense for a median-income family.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: San Diego

If you’re career-focused in industries like biotech, tech, or defense, San Diego’s job market is unparalleled. The social scene, networking opportunities, and sheer number of activities (beaches, nightlife, concerts) cater to a younger, dynamic crowd. The higher cost is the price of admission for that lifestyle.

Winner for Retirees: Florence

South Carolina is a retiree haven for a reason. The low cost of living, tax benefits on retirement income, and slower pace are ideal. You can own a home, have a garden, and enjoy Southern hospitality. San Diego is also popular with retirees, but the cost of living can eat into fixed incomes much faster.

City Pros & Cons

San Diego: The Sun-Soaked Metropolis

PROS:

World-Class Weather: Unbeatable, year-round perfection.
Outdoor Paradise: Beaches, mountains, deserts—all within an hour.
Strong Job Market: Especially in high-paying sectors like biotech, defense, and tech.
Vibrant Culture: Diverse food scene, museums, and a global feel.
Lower Violent Crime: Statistically safer than Florence.

CONS:

Extreme Cost of Living: Housing is astronomically expensive.
High Taxes: California state income tax will take a significant bite.
Traffic: Commutes can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Competitive Housing Market: Extremely difficult to buy a home.

Florence: The Affordable Southern Gem